sled, savor, & sip

Welcome to Lake Country. Long before The CPR rail line made its way through the Eagle Pass, BC's interior lakes and waterways played an important role ferrying passengers and supplies.

The historic paddle wheelers have now been replaced with houseboats, orchards, and snowmobiles, solidifying the area as one of BC's best four-season destinations and culinary delights. Sled, savor and sip your way through this 4-day celebration of BC’s Shuswap sledding buffet.

STOP 2: SICAMOUS, BC

TRAVEL TIME: 50 MINUTES / 73KM

Take one last look at the Selkirk Range in your rear-view mirror as you depart town over the Columbia River suspension bridge. As the highway begins to meander, find yourself going a little slower and relax into a toned-down brand of adventure the Shuswap is famous for.

Our drive today takes us over low-laying Eagle Pass (550m) through the Monashee Gold Range towards Sicamous. Opened in 1922, the pass separates the Columbia watershed from the Thompson-Fraser to the west. Within half an hour you will pass by the historic Three Valley Gap ghost town narrowly perched between an impressive lake and near-vertical cliff faces making this one of the most active avalanche locations along the TransCanada highway.

Pull over for a soak at Crazy Creek Hot Pools to soothe away yesterday's aches. Or stop to stretch your legs on the swinging bridge in Malakwa, built-in 1915 by local farmers to connect with the townsite and school. Learn about The Last Spike in Craigellachie where the railway finally united Canada in 1885.

Welcome to the resort town of Sicamous, the houseboat capital of Canada and the ‘meeting of the waters’. This is the traditional home of the Secwepemc. Before there were sleds and seasonal vacationers, the landscape was dominated by steam wheelers ferrying supplies and passengers to aid in the construction of the railway. The landing likely resembled more of a cowboy town out of a Western movie with saloons, gambling and some wild behavior. As the frontier turned to freeway, the arrival of better roads and the economic depression brought the steamships to an end.

The bright red roof of D Dutchman Dairy welcomes visitors to town. This is a legendary stop for stick to the roof of your mouth old-fashioned ice cream and the best chocolate milk you have ever had.  As they say, all good riding days begin with a Classic Breakfast at Joe Schmucks Roadhouse and you’ll certainly want to grab one of their Blackstone benny’s this morning.

Continue into town to the Owlhead staging area just off the highway. Our ride today starts with a cruisy 25km groomed ride to SledSicamous’s incredible flagship log warming shelter. Beyond the cabin, the terrain here is full of rollicking nooks and crannies just begging to be explored. Riders of all abilities will delight in the gentle meadows, high elevation viewpoints, and endless bold treelines no matt what pace you choose to ride. In total there are four maintained riding areas in Sicamous. If you have a few extra days to explore try Blue Lake, best suited for novice and family riders; Eagle Pass provides lofty advanced riding above 2000ft; or scenic Queest with its views over both Mara and Shuswap Lakes.

You can’t rush a good thing so take your time exploring then ride down with the sunset. That theme follows suit at the Narrows Smoke House. If you are into slow-roasted BBQ, you have to eat here. Meat by the pound, and the cornbread… oh the cornbread! Or check out Moose Mulligans for family-style eats including chicken and waffles while watching the harbour view or the game.

Loosen your belt one more notch and mosey over to the authentic craft After Dark Distillery for Monashee Mountain Moonshine, crafted in-house with traditional stills, just like the good old days. Pick up a mason jar of Apple Pie, Cherry, Espresso or Rootbeer Highline Shine to bring home. If you can’t make up your mind, buy them all in a convenient variety pack.

Meander back for tonight’s rest at the Best Western Sicamous, perfectly located across from the Owlhead Staging area. Known as one of BC’s best sledder hotels, it features a securely fenced parking area with both an indoor pool / hot tub and an outdoor fireside hot tub to enjoy the stars.

STOP 3: ENDERBY, BC

TRAVEL TIME: 30 MINUTES / 39KM

Enjoy the reflection of the sunrise on Mara lake this morning as you wind south along highway 97A past the idyllic community of Grindrod to reach Enderby. The landscape is dominated by towering cliffs to the East around which the water of the Spallumcheen or Shuswap river changes its westerly flow to a northern direction, eventually emptying into Mara Lake. The bend in the river made an ideal stop for historic paddle wheelers picking up flour from the local mill.

Fittingly, our first stop of the day is at Sutherlands Bakery for fuel and… homemade baking. You would never know that little gas stop hides one of BC’s best bakeries which features mouth-watering treats like maple bacon or Skor donuts. Don’t forget to grab a ready-made sandwich for lunch. If you need a bigger breakfast, swing by the Riverfront Pub and Grill.

Just 7km from downtown, east on the Enderby Mabel Lake Road you will reach today’s riding destination. The Hunters Range Snowmobile Association maintains 90 km of trails out of the Ashton Brash or La Forge staging areas. Enderby is rapidly becoming known as the hidden gem of BC sledding with its excellent grooming program, family-friendly atmosphere, and unique buffet of rolling mountain terrain to satisfy even the most advanced riders. It’s an easy ride to the main cabin… take the trail or boondock your way though the trees. To the north is the Gordon Sydney cabin popular with stronger riders for it’s open bowl and chute riding.

Wrap up a great day at the legendary Small Axe Roadhouse, where small-town diner meets dive bar meets quirky cocktail lounge. If you are into hot stuff you have to check out the ‘Not Even If There’s a Fire’ crispy chicken burger or any of their many pulled pork sandwiches. We’re resting our heads 20-minutes northwest of Enderby tonight in the community of Salmon Arm at the Prestige Harbour Front Resort. Swing by Larch Hills Winery on your way and learn about what makes Okanagan Valley grapes so special. Pick up a bottle of Riesling or sparkling Rose for that special someone at home.

STOP 3: SALMON ARM, BC

TRAVEL TIME: 20 MINUTES / 21KM

Pull back the covers, take a moment to ground your feet and enjoy the view out your hotel room window over the nature estuary, Shuswap Lake and Bastion Mountains. To the North is the largest freshwater wooden wharf in North America. To the west is Fly Hills, and our riding location for today.

In 1998, a lightning strike ignited a wildfire here that burned 13,500 acres. Embers carried by the wind jumped the valley and ignited Mount Ida to the south. Flames raced down both sides of the valley, threatening many homes and causing a mass evacuation as the fire drew closer. Remarkably, just as it reached the valley floor, the winds shifted and forced the fire back on itself, extinguishing it.

The Salmon Arm SnowBlazers maintain a beautiful cedar warming shelter and an incredible number of well-signed trails for a relatively small family riding area. Each trail uniquely curls and climbs through the forested bluff of the Fly Hills. This is a day full of photo-worthy lookouts revealing the south arm of the Shuswap Lake, open meadows for boondocking, and plenty of great spots to dip off and play in the trees. With a dedicated local crowd keen to share their favorite stashes or welcoming you to one of many great local events, every ride promises great adventure.

Now that you have worked up an appetite, return to Salmon Arm and dive into a culinary adventure that is the Taste Trail. Explore Westgate Public Market, take in the views from the wharf, or explore the totally walkable downtown.  Kids big and small will enjoy Gym of Rock or Arc Gaming. Every August, the area is home to the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival. Born out of the Shuswap Coffee House Movement of the ’70s and ’80s, the outdoor festival celebrates diverse genres of music with strong Canadian and International artist line ups each year.

The farmers markets and roadside fruit stands may be put to bed for the winter, but the Shuswap is orchard country year round. Treat yourself to the mouthwatering smells and delectable tastes of a sweet treat from the Shuswap Pie Company. No trip would be complete without a visit to the Shuswap Cider Company, Northyards Cider Co, or the Barley Station Brew Pub to help savor the moment. Raise a glass! Cheers to another epic BC sledding road trip with good friends and family.